K-P govt dismisses reports of firing at helicopter carrying officials in Parachinar

Unidentified gunmen opened fire on a helicopter carrying a high-level Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government delegation to Parachinar, later provincial Information Adviser, Barrister Saif, dismissed reports of gunfire targeting a government delegation’s helicopter.

Calling the claims "baseless." Barrister Saif assured that the delegation is "completely safe" and that negotiations for peace in the region are progressing smoothly.

In a statement, Barrister Dr. Saif confirmed that, under the instructions of K-P Chief Minister, the government delegation is in Parachinar, engaging with district elders and tribal leaders to restore peace and order in the Kurram district.

"The first phase of talks involved detailed and constructive meetings with Shia leaders, where a number of issues were discussed in depth," Dr. Saif said. He added that discussions with Sunni leaders would follow in the next phase.

He emphasised that the provincial government’s top priority is to broker a ceasefire between the conflicting parties and establish long-lasting peace. "The Chief Minister has given clear instructions that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations to ensure sustained peace in the region," Dr. Saif said.

The Information Adviser also reassured that the government delegation is taking all necessary steps to de-escalate tensions and resolve the situation amicably.

 Earlier, there were reports of firing on a helicopter carrying a high-level Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government delegation to Parachinar.

The delegation, including KP’s Minister of Law Aftab Alam Advocate, Chief Secretary, Kohat Division Commissioner, and senior police officials, was en route to address ongoing security situation and restore local peace.

However, the helicopter made a safe landing, and no injuries were reported.

The officials were traveling on the directive of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, aiming to revive a traditional jirga (council) to promote stability in Kurram. The mission is part of KP’s broader efforts to coordinate with police and local stakeholders to restore law and order in the area.

Earlier, Law Minister Aftab Alam Advocate emphasized the government’s commitment to taking decisive action in support of peace, stating, “The KP government, police, and other institutions are united in our serious efforts to improve security conditions. We will play an active role in ensuring the region’s peace and stability.”

Local authorities are currently investigating the firing incident as part of ongoing security measures in the area.

The attack on the helicopter carrying the K-P government delegation came as a fresh clash was reported between tribes in K-P s Kurram district, ehere at least 18 people have been killed and 30 others injured, in the fresh clashes.

According to the police, the exchange of fire took place in the Lower Kurram area, where the two tribes used heavy weaponry against each other. The intense fighting has exacerbated the security situation in the region.

In response to the escalating violence, Mohammad Hayat Hassan, Chairman of the Private Education Network, confirmed that all educational institutions in Kurram have been closed due to the worsening conditions.

This latest incident follows a similar attack two days ago, when gunmen opened fire on passenger vehicles in different parts of Kurram, killing 45 people, including six women and five children.

The situation in the area remains tense, with local authorities working to restore order.

Residents of the district held demonstrations to demand justice and condemn the massacre, but these protests were marred by violence yesterday.

In Kohat, protesters stoned passenger vehicles and ambulances, set a pickup truck on fire, and left the driver severely injured. Traffic between Kohat and Hangu was disrupted, causing long queues, and police were deployed to control the unrest.

Demonstrators prayed for the victims and called on the government to restore law and order, while criticizing its failure to maintain peace in the region.